Volvo Repair: 2000 s80 chasing a front clunk / rattle, control arm bushings, sway bar links


Question
Hi, I know from following you, This is NOT your favorite car, but so far I have done ok!

It has 129k, owned since new, at about 105K I did oem struts, spring seats,all tie rods,all 4 disc and brakes,f&r sway bar links, I checked the bal joints seem fine, I have a clunk ,most left front touching brake light while clunking has no effect, I am running out of stuff to look at!
How can I test lower control arm bushings or sub frame bushings? I have also read about subframe o rings?

Sorry for so long an e mail, thank you for your time, Dave

Answer
Dave, you are right, I dont like them but they make my paycheck so I put up with them.  Im assuming by what you mean by spring seats, is the upper strut cushion.  That is the usual culprit for that kind of noise.  The control arm bushings are a bear to do but you can test them by using a prybar.  I hope you did the Timing belt at the 105k.  If that breaks, you are asking for a real headache.  Never heard anything or seen the subframe rings going bad.  Try to tighten all the subframe bolts just to make sure they are tight.  Roger